Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) Chennai Chapter organised a seminar on ‘Living with Multiple Sclerosis' at Vivanta by Taj Connemara recently to commemorate World Multiple Sclerosis Day.
A wide range of topics such as problems faced by multiple sclerosis patients and their families, socio economic impact, research, and treatment were discussed. The programme was organised with an objective to spread awareness about the disease. Raju Venkatram, CEO, Medall Healthcare Private Limited, presided over the event. Ann Gonsalvez, Secretary, MSSI, Chennai Chapter, said that many are not aware about the disease and understand its challenges.
He said that the only way to move towards a world free of MS and ease the challenges of those living with MS is to increase the support the society offers. Without adequate education, advice, and support, people with MS do not know how to cope with the disease.
Deepak Arjundas, Consultant Neurologist at Vijaya Health Centre and at Apollo Hospital said that although multiple sclerosis is more common in the West, we are seeing more patients in India today than in the past due to easy availability of MRI.
He said that latest treatments are available in India as well which helps in preventing the relapse. The future looks promising with new research being undertaken to understand the disease better, he added. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease which attacks the central nervous system during the most productive years of ones life.
As the disease has no cure, it needs to be managed with exercise and medications that helps in delaying the progression of the disease. If MS is left untreated, patients may eventually develop severe and irrevocable disabilities.
He said that no survey of MS patients has been conducted in India but according to specialists the number could be above 2, 00,000. The seminar concluded with the release of a video on MS by Arun Athiappan , CEO, Ticketgoose.com.
MSSI
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of India is non-profit voluntary organisation founded in the year 1985. The organisation proactively works towards encouraging MS patients to lead a more productive life through counselling, rehabilitation, and support given through its various State chapters.
